The wind is starting to pick up.  The temperature is fluctuating more than usual.  Leaves are on the ground.  Yep, it is Fall in Chicagoland.  In my opinion, this is the best time of year to golf. Around this time of the year I also begin to do a little research into what equipment changes I will make the following season.  As my own little rule-of-thumb I try to update at least one major piece of equipment every two seasons.  Since I bought new irons last season, looks like I am about due for a new driver. 

I've always been a huge fan of TaylorMade and Callaway (hence, my irons are RAC5's and I currently hit a Hyper-X driver).  Despite snowballs around the corner for me in Chicago, I keep getting more and more emails about new golf equipment that is sure to "blow me away".  This time of the year for new merchandise was always crazy to me growing up in the Midwest, especially when I used to work at a Country Club growing up.  The huge Golf Development shows in Florida and Arizona around winter prompted our Pro Shop to send someone down there and purchase a few new items for the CC members.  Sadly, I was never picked to go.  Boo hoo.

Some new drivers coming to the market, however, are really grabbing my attention.  There also seems to be a new "jet black clubhead" fad that companies like Nike, Callaway, and others are turning towards.  I'm not entirely sure what the purpose of this new material or look is other than making the club look hideous... but that's OK with me!  I mean... just look at this thing:

That's the ugliest damn club I have seen in years, and I kind of want it.  It looks like Danny Glover should be chasing it through a jungle.  More to come on other drivers coming to the market...